Michigan

Sign at U.S. 131 and WMU's engineering campus needs to go (letter)

In the last few weeks, I have driven by the gaudy, brightly lit sign
on U.S. 131, in a prime position blocking the engineering campus of
Western Michigan University.

I can't fathom the decision to locate this monstrosity in the
particular frontage area it now occupies. It virtually takes the vista
of the campus away.

It does not provide the image that many of us alumni worked to
establish during the initial discussions (and controversy) over the
engineering campus a few years ago.

Many residents felt the campus would create undue traffic, noise and disruptive lighting from the parking areas.

Well, most of those concerns were negotiated peacefully. I'm not
sure this blinking, grotesque, colossal sign compliments those citizens
concerns. I certainly don't like it.

It's offensive and needs to be removed.

Norman Terry/Portage

Israel holds a special place in the eyes of God

This is in response to the letter questioning the Texas Corners Bible
Church's biblical analysis of the situation in the Middle East. In the
church's piece there was strong condemnation for terrorists and strong
support for Western bastions of freedom such as Israel.

Israel is under up-to-the-minute bombardment from rockets in addition
to ambushes, yet I fail to see this "equality" group protesting this
actual and potential loss of Israeli life and property. Why do they not
counter the near daily propensity of some petty while well-armed
dictator, autocrat or 10-cent bully to issue proclamations concerning
their intention to eliminate, destroy (off the map), or otherwise
obliterate with nuclear material the only Jewish state in the world. It
happens to be the only democracy in the region as well.

Israel is not a normal state by human definition. It alone has been
crafted and delineated by God who delights in its protection. He has
also consented to prosper those gentile nations who stand by its
pre-determined borders. Its sanctity and integrity are reliable unlike
its neighbors. Numerous nearby states there are under sanctions from the
international community, such as Syria.

The old adage proves itself in nightly broadcasts: "Israel is a good country in a bad neighborhood."